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29 September 2018

NEW Baofeng DM-1801


Looking suspiciously like the Radioddity GD-77 here is the latest DMR radio from Baofeng, the Baofeng DM-1801:

Features
  1. Digital-analog compatible
  2. Dual Time slot/Dual Band
  3. AMBE+2 vocoder
  4. SMS function
  5. Digital signaling function
  6. CTCSS/CTCSS
  7. Digital mode supports the use of repeater
  8. Digital alarm function
General specifications:
  • FREQUENCY RANGE: VHF 136-174MHZ/UHF 400-480MHZ(DUAL BAND)
  • STORAGE CHANNEL: 128 GROUPS
  • STEPPED FREQUENCY: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/20/25KHZ
  • OPERATING VOLTAGE: DC7.4V(RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM BATTERY)
  • FREQUENCY STABILITY: ±1.5PPM
  • OPERATION MODE: SAME-FREQUENCY SIMPLE OR DIFFERENT-FREQUENCY SIMPLEX
  • ANTENNA IMPEDANCE: 50W
  • BATTERY CAPACITY: 2000MAH
  • VOLUME: 110x28x32mm(EXCLUDING ANTENNA
Transmitting:
  • OUTPUT POWER: 4W/1W
  • MODULATION(WIDEBAND/NARROWBAND): ANALOG:16KCF3E/11KCF3E  DIGITAL:4FSK
  • MAXIMUM FREQUENCY DEVIATION(W/N): ≤5KHZ/≤2.5KHZ
  • FSK ALLOWABLE ERRORRATE: ≤3%
  • SPURIOUS POWER: ≤7.5UW
  • ADJACENT CHANNEL POWER: ≤-65DB/≤-60DB
  • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO(W/N): ≥-45DB/≥-40DB
Package Contain
  • 1x Baofeng Dual band radio
  • 1x Radio Battery
  • 1x Belt Clip
  • 1x Antenna
  • 1x Charger
  • 1x synopsis







Price - Around $79


The Big Net 2018 - 37 Years of Legal CB Radio


2nd November 2018 is the 37th anniversary of legal CB radio in the UK. 

A special event will take place on channel 37 UKFM (27.96125MHz) to celebrate. Of course if it is busy in your area please QSY up or down a couple of channels as required.

You can find out more and post your intentions on The Big Net Facebook Page: CLICK HERE

27 September 2018

NEW President Harrison II



Yes folks yet another AM/FM ONLY radio announced by President... The Harrison II


- 40 channels AM / FM
- 12 / 24 V
- Channel rotary switch
- Volume adjustment and ON/OFF
- Manual squelch and ASC
- Multi-functions LCD display
- S-meter
- Vox function (Hands free)
- ANL filter, NB and HI-CUT
- RF Gain
- Scan
- Preset emergency (EMG 1/2)
- F function key
- Beep Function
- Roger Beep
- Mode switch AM / FM
- Talkback
- Tone
- Public Address
- SWR Automatic
- Key locking
- Front microphone plug
- External loudspeaker jack
- USB 5V 2.1A




Not much more to say other than YAWN!



26 September 2018

FCC Targets Noncompliant Transceivers


The FCC has issued a warning that noncompliant transceivers may not be imported, marketed or sold in the US.....

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE


I guess they are targeting 'Baofeng' and other cheap imported radios, this would no-doubt benefit the major established players in the market!

24 September 2018

New SSB NET In North East England


News of yet another SSB Net launching tonight in the UK.

The Northeast Sidebanders Net will take place every Monday evening from 19:30 hours (UK Time) on channel 1EU 26.965 USB with the chairman being located just south of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

So tune in and give out call, see if you can make it into the UK's newest SSB net!


'CB Talk' App and Dual Mike - Further Update



Posted by Midland on the Dual Mike Facebook Page:


Dear friends of the cbtalk app,
First of all, thank you very much for using the app as disciplined as possible and giving us many suggestions for improvements / changes.

We, Alan Electronics Gmbh, as part of the midland group of companies, are responsible for the German market and are in close contact with our colleagues from development to make the product cbtalk and the dual Mike as far as possible and successful.

Here are some basic information and views.
- the development of the cbtalk app has cost a lot of money and we provide the app for free in the App store and play store for smart phones (not tablets).

- first, the app was developed for use with Dual Mike, the product that is already in use with a few beta-testers. The development of dual Mike has also devoured enormous resources.

- only by selling dual Mike we can cover these development costs and develop the product cbtalk.

- our first target market is, of course, The CB Radio operators who already use a CB Radio and have the ideal complement with Dual Mike.

- the mobile user is foreground. So so far, the restriction to 30 km in ch mode, because when I'm on the highway and looking for information along my route, I don't need higher reach. On the contrary, that would be disturbing.

- in the next few days, we will bring further dual Mike to beta testers (mainly truckers) to get additional feed back.

- from approx. In Mid-October we will have sufficient quantities for sale.

- in the current firmware version of the dual Mike, there will be no "effects" For The CB Radio function yet. This is where Mike works like a normal preamplifier microphone. From approx. At the beginning of 2019, it will be possible to give the firmware via USB update with some interesting features, e.g. Echo, Roger-Beep, equaliser...…

- when operating via the app, the advantage of the DSP is quickly "erhörbar". by active noise cancelling, virtually all noise are eliminated. Even if the transmitter stands next to an ongoing vacuum cleaner, the receiver only hears the voice.

- the loading of the dual MIKE OVER 6-Pole Mike bushings does not go as there is usually not enough electricity available from the radio and the voltage is usually not 5 v that needs to load the battery Will. 
We will soon offer a cable connection for the -.
- the internal speaker of the dual Mike cannot transfer the audio of the CB device because we should then make a prioritisation of the system. We don't want that. CB-via hf should have the same priority as the app.

Now to the changes / wishes of the cbtalk app:
- Dead: from now on we've activated a time out timer with a lifetime of 1 MINUTE. This should serve as a means of interrupting possible " Jammer At the moment we are still collecting opinions (across Europe), whether 1 minute, 2 minutes.... 90 seconds..... the right value. We'll keep you informed.
- blocking users: at present, only we as manufacturers can lock users. That's what we've done. When a user is locked, he can continue listening, but the PTT is disabled. He can install and install the app, but will not receive an access code.
- we will modify the app so that your so-called "Blacklist" is no longer stored on your phone, but on our server. So if a certain skip from multiple users is placed on the blacklist we will see this and can react.
- GPS - Privacy: to better protect people's privacy, the app is modified to zoom in the map only up to a determined level that doesn't allow to experience the exact address of a user.
- GPS in the group: if you turn off GPS localisation on his phone, no conversation will be possible in the future.
- groups of countries: we want to be able to enjoy the best possible radio, without being able to block radio Therefore, in future, it will only be possible to see the groups of countries whose language has been chosen in the settings. In addition, we will create 5 "International" groups.

Dual Mike - Advantages:
The users of dual Mike will be able to enjoy further benefits in the future.

- 80 channels in ch - fashion. Channels 1-40 as previously and 41-80 exclusive with 100 km range

- in group mode, alarm messages can be left

- 5 additional groups in groups - mode: Dm01... Dm05 in the respective countries

As far as the most important information. Many small changes are and are still implemented. Let's surprise you.

Your Midland team
(Translated from German)

20 September 2018

'CB Talk' App Privacy Concerns UPDATE



Midland have responded to my concerns regarding privacy with the new CB Talk app which demands access to your contact list, location and phone number before it will run, with an email from Marco...


"Hello,


The contact information are required only to allow you to see who of your friends in your contact list have the same App installed (exactly like What’s Up) and in the future maybe will allow you to create private group.

Anyway I can tell you that in the next version we will allow the use of the App also WITHOUT requiring access. 

We are also changing view of the GPS position, in the future it will not be possible to see the exact position of the person in the map (the zoom level will be limited to some kilometre, so it will not be possible to see the exact position). This is to give better privacy.

All this changes will be active on version 1.01 or 1.02 depending on the time we need to implement.


Thanks

Marco"





This a great news as many people appear to share my concerns regarding privacy. Not having actually gone as far as running the app on my phone I was unaware that the current version of the app can give a very exact location of users on a map (Whoops!)

So simply using this app could give away your precise location.... NOT GOOD - Imagine the possible implications for children using this app!!!! What is good is that they are also going to change this so that the app does not give exact locations and will only offer approximate locations in future.

So I may well give this app a go once the issues I have raised are dealt with!

(Thanks once again to Marco for the information) 

See Previous Post: CLICK HERE


 

18 September 2018

QYT KT-780 Plus - 100 Watts VHF or UHF!

Anyone fancy 100 watts on PMR446??????



QYT KT-780 Plus VHF or UHF Long Range High Power 100w Car Radio Mobile Transceiver


General Specifications

Frequency VHF:136-174MHz OR UHF: 400-470MHz 

Power Output(L/H):H 100W(16A) M 50W(9A) L 20W(6A) 


Channels 200

Channel Spacing 25KHz(Wide) 20K(Middle)12.5(Narrow)

Phase-locked step 2.5KHz、5KHz、6.25 KHz、10 KHz、12.5 KHz、25 KHz

Working Voltage 13.8V DC±15%

Squelch carrier wave、CTCSS、DCS、5Tone、2Tone、DTMF

Frequency Stability ±2.5ppm

Working Temperature -20+60℃

Size 140(W)*43(H)*172(D) mm

Weight 1.03kg


Price: $135 + Shipping from China



17 September 2018

European Truck Festival 2018 Midland



Video:YouTube/Midland Italia



A short video from the European Truck Festival by Midland Italia....


Smokey and The Bandit Run (A tribute to Burt Reynolds)

Video:YouTube/2j4ez

That's a big 10-4 good buddy, we've got ourselves a convoy!

15 September 2018

Fog On The Tyne Radio Rally 2018 (ANARC)


The Fog On The Tyne Radio Rally is held each year up here in the North East, not the biggest but still plenty to look at and a chance to meet up with the local breakers!!!!!


14 September 2018

Which Is Best? Fibreglass or Alloy Antenna

Video:YouTube/fredintheshed1

The age old question.... Fibreglass certainly can last longer and won't bend but some say they bring in more noise....?

I've been very happy with my Antron 99 for many years, the Shakespeare Big Stick and Silver Rod prior to that and I'm sure there will be many opinions about which type of antenna is best!

Hurricane Watch Net



The Hurricane Watch Net have been in operation for 50 years and provide support to The National Hurricane Centre during the hurricane season and operate on the frequencies below:

The Hurricane Watch Net – 14.325 MHz USB

The Hurricane Watch Net – 7.268 MHz LSB


You can also listen online via this page: CLICK HERE

The Bandit Run 16/09/2018


News from Facebook....


The M25 Bandit Memorial Run...

Motorshow Events, American Hire Ltd & the Bandit Run UK have teamed up to bring you The M25 Bandit Memorial Run, We’re gonna do what they say can't be done. We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there. Come down and join us for The M25 Bandit Memorial Run which will be held on Sunday 16th Sept 09:00-16:00. It mainly comprises of a vehicle display followed by a cruise around the M25. 

We will be meeting & visiting the following locations:

We will be using the coach parking area at Lakeside/Thurrock Services for all trucks these will be guided by Marshall’s. Please use car park for cars. And running on Channel 19 for CB radios 

09:00-10:00: Lakeside/Thurrock Services
11:00-12:00: South Mimms Services
13:30-14:00: Cobham Services
14:45-15:30: Clacket lane Services
16:00: - Lakeside/Thurrock Services

Dartford Tunnel info Any Vehicles over 9ft wide
or over 18.75 meters long will need to stop at the Marshall area and be escorted through the tunnel. Will be using the east tunnel with the 15.9ft Height restriction.

All vehicles are welcome to take part and do so at their own risk and we don’t take any responsibility for theft or damage and ask that you stick to the Highway Code at all times. Once the front vehicles leave each location, You’re welcome to filter into the convoy.

We are also raising money for a children’s charity. Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, it would be amazing if each motor taking part could put in £5 


Join the Bandit Run UK 2019 https://www.banditrunuk.com/

Thanks guys see you on the 16TH

10 September 2018

2m Band Portable QRP



Video:YouTube/2j4ez



Lovely to see an FT-290R on parade...….




'CB Talk' App Privacy Concerns



You may have heard about the new Midland 'CB Talk' app which has been launched this week which basically allows you to use your mobile phone as a pseudo CB Radio using VOIP instead of actual radio transmissions. 


It is not the first app to work in this fashion, indeed Zello has been around for ages.


The app is a great idea, however, those of you with privacy concerns may like to know that the 'CB Talk' app requires you to allow access to many features on your phone... LOCATION, MAKE AND MANAGE PHONECALLS, RECORD AUDIO, ACCESS YOUR CONTACTS and YOUR PHONE NUMBER.






It's not unusual for apps to ask for permission to access phone features and it's not unreasonable to allow access to your microphone if you want to talk to someone on an app like this, however this app refuses to function if you deny ANY of it's requests.


So you may wish to use the app to talk to people near you, which of course means you need to allow the app to access location data and have access to your phone's microphone, that's fine as the app couldn't possibly function without these permissions BUT being required to give access to your phone's contact list and your own phone number seems a bit excessive to me. Maybe the app simply cannot function without these permissions but the app could have been designed to work without them I'm sure. 


So if you are happy to allow your private phone number and all of your contact list to be accessed well fine, but I guess I must be an old fuddy-duddy and it's a NO FROM ME! - (I'll stick to Zello, or better still.... REAL RADIO!)


6 September 2018

R.I.P BANDIT (Burt Reynolds)


Sad news tonight is the death of Burt Reynolds at the age of 82.

Star of the Smokey And The Bandit movies he played a major part in bringing CB radio to the masses in the late 70's and early 80's.

R.I.P BANDIT 




4 September 2018

Kenwood TS-890S UK Price Revealed


The UK price of the new Kenwood TS-890S has been revealed as £4299 so get saving!